“Hippos could be added to the list of the world’s most endangered animals because of dwindling populations caused by the climate crisis, poaching and the ivory trade.
The semi-aquatic mammals are found in lakes and rivers across sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated population of 115,000-130,000. As well as the trade in ivory – found in its teeth – and animal parts, they are threatened by habitat loss and degradation, and the effects of global heating.
Hippos are also legally traded for commercial purposes and hunting trophies under Cites, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora…It is estimated that at least 77,579 hippo parts and products were legally traded from 2009 to 2018.”
If approved, it would mean a total international ban on the trade in hippo body parts and ivory to help avert the decline of the species.
FIREPAW, Inc. 